Optics’ teaching is commonly based on the use of lessons including several mathematical tools. For example, ray tracing can be described through matrix algebra, and interference and polarization can be supported by the use of complex numbers. Thus, the numerous mathematical descriptions included in the optics’ lessons represent a real difficulty for students having insufficient skills in mathematics. Moreover, despite of very impressive optical effects one can observe in real life, e.g. rainbows, their description in optics’ courses is often considered as too academic and boring, and finally not really exciting.

In this context, we have invented a new type of comics dedicated to optics’ learning. Based on a dialogue between two imaginary characters, one considered as the young student and the other one as the old teacher, we have chosen to reduce the role of mathematics and to mix realistic and unrealistic elements in the drawing to complete the explanations faster. Starting from reflection and refraction, the Snell’s laws then allow for describing natural phenomena such as mirage and rainbow as well as technical points such as light propagation into an optical fiber and the measurement of the refraction index.

The first volume presented here will be evaluated during the fall semester 2015 in different high schools and at university through a linked survey and the students will also get access to an online version while the following parts are in preparation.

Date Published: 8 October 2015
PDF: 5 pages
Proc. SPIE 9793, Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2015, 97931F (8 October 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2223111

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9793:
Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2015